I reckon there is a chance this could be an improvement over the current helmets. Unlike the grade of brittle EPS used in our helmets there is a chance the cardboard would compress in an accident, not just shatter. I suppose people won't be able to say "it saved my life" if they don't break into pieces.

The structure of Kranium has been developed to absorb the impact energy. The ribs of the structure have been designed to accommodate movement in some places where as it remains perfectly rigid in some areas. Thus during a crash the force peak of the impact is absorbed by the ribs tending to flex and de-flex. The remaining amount of energy is then absorbed by the crumpling nature of the corrugated ribs. When tested against the British Standards (EN 1078) at the Imperial College, Kranium absorbs more than 3 times the amount of impact energy when compared to regular cycling helmets. This means that during a crash, lesser amounts of energy go into your head thus making it safer than regular cycling helmets.

Comedian wrote:I reckon there is a chance this could be an improvement over the current helmets. Unlike the grade of brittle EPS used in our helmets there is a chance the cardboard would compress in an accident, not just shatter. I suppose people won't be able to say "it saved my life" if they don't break into pieces.

Ahhh, cynicism. Likey

A Good Thing-if they can actually convince the self anointed experts that it is an improvement on existing tech. Agreed with Mattsquared that venting will need to improve for local conditions.If they can get it right, I'd be onto this like a blowfly at a barbie.

...whatever the road rules, self-preservation is the absolute priority for a cyclist when mixing it with motorised traffic.London Boy 29/12/2011

Impressive design concept - but how did he ever get the idea that a helmet without vents would be comfortable to use when it's not cold? Strange mix of clever innovative thought and total disregard for usability.

Maybe that outer plastic shell can be fabricated with holes in it to match the gaps between the cardboard ribs.

Following are various myths about cycling and why they are/aren't true.

Myth: Wearing a helmet makes your head hotter than if you didn't wear one.

Actual measurements under hard riding conditions with ANSI standardhelmets show no consistent temperature difference from helmetlessriders. Part of the reason is that helmets provide insulatedprotection from the sun as well as some airflow around the head. (Les Earnest

Cardboard helmet definitely need vents before people will consider buying it

I'm assuming they've addressed the wet weather issue, but they definitely need a better aero option if they expect widespread penetration of the market. You have a hope of convincing an enthusiast to try something new - the casual cyclist needs to be shown the helmet in use, and nothing is less inspiring to a possible cyclist than showing helmets being destroyed by impacts.

5:10 for their testing routines. 5:40 for the waterproofing. Passes the European helmet test even after being submerged for 7 days. Absorbs 3 times the amount of energy compared to regular styrofoam helmets.

Following are various myths about cycling and why they are/aren't true.

Myth: Wearing a helmet makes your head hotter than if you didn't wear one.

Actual measurements under hard riding conditions with ANSI standardhelmets show no consistent temperature difference from helmetlessriders. Part of the reason is that helmets provide insulatedprotection from the sun as well as some airflow around the head. (Les Earnest

Cardboard helmet definitely need vents before people will consider buying it

I spent a few weeks riding in a minimally vented skate helmet (all I had), and I tell you what, it was horrible.

I already wear a skate style helmet, venting is only an issue at full pelt and I sweat alot. For commuting and transport type riding I reckon this is a good step forward. Ok a bit lazy, are there any Australian distributors yet?

Comedian wrote:I reckon there is a chance this could be an improvement over the current helmets. Unlike the grade of brittle EPS used in our helmets there is a chance the cardboard would compress in an accident, not just shatter.

Cardboard has in large part replaced polystyrene in packaging for transport for some of the advantages mentioned, so it sounds like a plausible innovation.

If they were mandatory we'd have an even more effective reduction in the number of cycling injuries. My guess would be to zero for law abiding citizens, as no one would ride.

Plus, those that chose to ride without a helmet would be the only ones getting injured which would further validate the excellent decision of introducing the law. Car makers, motoring organisations, and bogans across the country would applaud rapturously.

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